I started my scuba diving journey on New Year’s Day in 2019. Beginning with my PADI Open Water course at Poseidon Hikkaduwa in Sri Lanka, I leaped into the enchanting world beneath the waves, igniting a deep fascination with the underwater realm. The obsession snowballed with every dive I logged, and before I knew it, diving had become the primary objective of every travel destination moving forward.
The Spark of a New Passion
The PADI Open Water course was an eye-opener. I still remember my first dive, feeling excitement and nervousness. The sensation of being weightless, the vibrant marine life, and the serene underwater environment hooked me instantly. My instructors at Poseidon Hikkaduwa were incredibly supportive, guiding me through the basics of diving, buoyancy control, and underwater navigation. Their passion for diving was infectious, and it wasn’t long before I started dreaming of becoming a professional diver myself.
The Impact of COVID-19
In 2020, COVID-19 hit, and the world went into lockdown, making travel impossible. Those lockdown days were spent plotting and planning new adventures. I used the time to read up on diving techniques, watch documentaries about marine life, and connect with the diving community online. This period of enforced inactivity only fueled my passion further, and I knew that as soon as travel was possible again, I would dive back into the underwater world with renewed vigor.
Exploring New Destinations
As soon as travel was back on the cards, I was off, exploring parts of the world I never thought I would, both above and below the surface. Each new destination offered unique underwater landscapes and marine life, enriching my diving experience. Each dive site had its own story, from the Zanzibar coral reefs to the Malta shipwrecks.
Discovering Koh Tao
A few years later, I booked a trip to Thailand and found myself in Koh Tao, the Diving Capital of Thailand, for five days. I wanted to continue my diving education on the island, so I contacted my Instagram followers for recommended dive centers. DeeperBlue.com Founder Stephan Whelan came through in a big way, putting me in touch with the legend Erik Brown, who connected me with the fantastic team at Hydronauts Diving Resort.
Advanced Training at Hydronauts
I completed my RAID Explorer 30, the PADI Advanced Open Water equivalent, with Gary Robbins and had the most incredible time. The course was challenging yet immensely rewarding. It included deep dives, underwater navigation, night diving, and peak performance buoyancy. Each dive pushed my skills further, and under Gary’s expert guidance, I became more confident and competent underwater.
Preparing for the RAID Divemaster Program
So much so that as soon as I was back in the UK, I was planning my return to Koh Tao in 2024 to undertake the RAID Divemaster program. I spent months preparing for the course, budgeting, improving my physical fitness, studying dive theory, and practicing my underwater skills whenever possible.
Embarking on the Divemaster Journey
Lo and behold, I arrived back in Koh Tao at the beginning of January 2024 to embark on my journey to becoming a RAID Divemaster. The program at Hydronauts Diving Resort was comprehensive and transformative. It included rigorous training in dive theory, physics, physiology, and the mechanics of diving, along with extensive practical experience in leading and supervising dives. I also honed my advanced navigation, rescue operations, and emergency management skills.
The Challenges and Triumphs
The Divemaster program was not without its challenges. One of the most demanding parts for me was mastering the physics element of diving and understanding how pressure affects gasses in the body, calculating safe ascent rates, and grasping the principles of buoyancy. These concepts are crucial for ensuring safe diving practices and were thoroughly covered in our training. Delving deep into the physics behind diving increased my respect for the sport and underscored the importance of meticulous preparation and awareness. Another challenge was mastering rescue scenarios. We practiced a variety of emergencies, from rescuing a panicked diver at the surface to performing underwater search and recovery operations. These exercises were intense, but they instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility and preparedness.
Building Leadership Skills
One of the most rewarding aspects of the Divemaster program was the opportunity to lead and mentor other divers. I assisted in multiple courses, including Scuba refreshers, Try Dives, Open Water, Explorer 30, and rescue courses. I guided dive tours and conducted dive briefings. These experiences helped me develop strong communication and leadership skills. I learned how to manage diverse groups of divers, ensuring their safety and enjoyment underwater.
Mentorship and Camaraderie
Another highlight was the camaraderie among the team at Hydronauts. We were a diverse group from around the world, united by our love for diving. The support and encouragement from my fellow divemaster candidates and instructors were invaluable. We shared our successes, supported each other through challenges, and celebrated our achievements.
Deepening My Passion for Marine Conservation
The program also deepened my passion for marine conservation. Hydronauts strongly emphasize sustainable diving practices and protecting the marine environment. We participated in reef clean-ups, learned about coral restoration projects, and educated divers about the importance of marine conservation. Additionally, Hydronauts collaborates with Global Reef, a renowned organization dedicated to reef conservation and restoration. This partnership gave us valuable insights into large-scale conservation efforts and the critical role of divers in these initiatives. These experiences reinforced my commitment to protecting the ocean and its inhabitants.
Creating Marketing Content for Hydronauts
While at Hydronauts, I also had the unique opportunity to create marketing content for the dive center. This experience allowed me to combine my passion for diving with my love for photography and videography. I worked closely with the team to capture the beauty of Koh Tao’s underwater world and the excitement of our dive adventures. From promotional videos to social media posts, I helped showcase what makes Hydronauts a top choice for divers worldwide.
UW Cinematography Training with Maxime Cheminade
One of the highlights of my time at Hydronauts was participating in cinematography training sessions with Maxime Cheminade. Maxime, a renowned underwater filmmaker and photographer, shared his expertise in capturing stunning underwater footage. These sessions were incredibly educational and inspiring. I learned advanced techniques for shooting underwater, including lighting, framing, and movement. Maxime’s mentorship helped me elevate my skills and produce high-quality content.
The Impact on My Personal Growth
Completing the RAID Divemaster program has been a milestone in my diving career. It has equipped me with the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to excel in the diving industry. More importantly, it has deepened my love for the ocean and reinforced my commitment to protecting it.
Reflecting on My Journey
Looking back on my journey from an Open Water diver to a Divemaster, I am grateful for every dive, every challenge, and every moment of awe underwater. Each experience has shaped me into the diver I am today, and I am excited for the adventures and opportunities in my diving career.
The Future of My Diving Career
I plan to continue my diving education and pursue further professional certifications. I have a keen interest in underwater filmmaking and diving content creation, combining my technical skills with my passion for storytelling to highlight the beauty and importance of our oceans.
Additionally, I aim to delve deeper into advanced diving disciplines such as cave diving and wreck diving. These specialized areas require rigorous training and a high skill level. Still, they also offer the opportunity to explore some of the most fascinating and hidden parts of the underwater world. Pursuing these interests will enhance my abilities as a diver and allow me to share more captivating and diverse content with the diving community.
Furthermore, I am committed to promoting marine conservation through my diving activities. I aim to get involved in more conservation projects, raise awareness about the importance of protecting our oceans, and inspire others to dive sustainably.
A Message to Aspiring Divers
To those just starting their diving journey, I have one piece of advice: Dive in with an open heart and an eager mind. The underwater world is full of wonders waiting to be discovered. Each dive is a new adventure, a new lesson, and a new opportunity to grow. Embrace the challenges, cherish the moments of wonder, and never stop learning.
Conclusion
My journey from Open Water diver to RAID Divemaster has been an incredible adventure, filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable experiences. I am grateful for the support and guidance of my instructors, my fellow divers’ camaraderie, and the underwater world’s beauty. Diving has not only become my passion but also a way of life.
I look forward to more years of exploration, education, and conservation in the fantastic world beneath the waves.
